Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s badminton ace, Datuk Lee Chong Wei only took 35 minutes to get past the first round of the Indonesian Open at the Istora Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta today.
Chong Wei did not face any problem beating Indian player, Sameer Verna in straight sets 21-11 and 21-13 to set a meeting with Angus Ng Ka Long of Hong Kong in the next round.
Chong Wei, who has won the championship five times, has a chance of securing the world number one ranking if he wins this time.
The opportunity opened up for Chong Wei when the current world number one Chen Long withdrew in the first round to give a walkover to Sony Dwi Kuncoro of Indonesia .
So far, Chong Wei has collected 88,953 points, 3,241 points behind Chen Long. The champion here will get 11,000 points.
However, the opportunity is still difficult as his traditional nemesis, Lin Dan of China also got through the first round by beating national singles player Zulfadli Zulkifli in rubber sets, 16-2, 21-18 and 21-16.
Another Malaysian singles player Iskandar Zulkarnain failed to get past the first round after falling to Marc Zwiebler of Germany 21-10 and 21-19.
For the men’s doubles, Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong beat host pair, Berry Angriawan/Rian Agung Saputro 21-17, 10-21 and 21-15.
Goh V Shem/Tan Wee Kiong received a free win when fourth seeded pair of the championship, Kim Gi Jung/Kim Sa Rang of South Korea, withdrew.
Also advancing to the next round were Malaysia’s women’s doubles pair Vivian Hoo/Woon Khe Wei who beat host pair Della Destiara Haris/Rosyita Eka Putri Sari in straight sets, 21-19 and 21-14.
—- Bernama
